Variable track-hinge



} H. 1. RUTZ. VARIABLE TRACK HINGE.

"APPLICATION FILED M AYI8,

Patented Aug. 23, 1921.

2 SHEETSSHEET I.

H. 1. RUTZ.

VARIABLE TRACK HINGE.

APPLICATION FILED MAYIB, 1921.

mm 6 y, 3 J

m m 1, w 2 L m anon H 01: H cllzu Z2,

PATENT OFFICE.

HENRY J. Borzoi LAKE CITY, MINNESOTA.

VARIABLE TRACK-HINGE.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented Aug. 23, 1921- Application filed May 18, 1921. Serial No. 470,782.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, HENRY J. RUTZ, a citizen of the United States, residing at Lake City, in the county of \Vabasha and State of Minnesota, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Variable Track-Hinges, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in hinges and more particularly to a device which may be known as variable track hinges, and the primary obj ect of the invention is to provide a device of this character which can be readily applied to sections of a track whereby the latter mayv be swung to various positions for use in connection with a boom, overhead carrier or switch. I

A further object of the invention resides in providing a hinge comprised of two main elements, each of which is composed of two sections securely bolted together the main elements being adapted for pivotal connection with one another and designed to be held in longitudinal alinement with one another when desired.

Still another object ofthe invention re sides in providing a device of this character which is simple and durable in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and one which will be very efficient and useful in operation.

With these and other objects in view my invention consists in the novel features of construction, combination and arrangement of parts as will be hereinafter referred to and more particularly pointed out in the specification and claims.

In the accompanying drawing forming a part of this application,

Figure 1 is a side elevation with parts in section showing my improved hinge applied to use in connection with a track and boom;

Fig. 2 illustrates the same in use in connection with an overhead carrier track;

Fig. 3 shows the device as applied to use in connection with a switch;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged side elevation of the hinge with the parts separated;

Fig.5 is a plan view of the hinge; and

Fig. 6 is a detail section therethrough as seen on the line ,66 of Fig. 5. I V

In describing the invention I shall refer to the drawings in which similar reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout the several views, and in which 1 and 2 designate the two main sections of the hinge, the outer edges of the same being arcuately designed, and each section is composed of two elements securely bolted together as shown at 3. The section 1 may be termed the left hand portion of the hinge, and the section 2 the right hand member thereof.

The elements of the section 1 are provided with spaced apart projections or lugs 4, each of which is provided with a studwhich when brought together forms the upstanding 'pintle or the like 5. The elements of the section 2 are provided with projections or lugs 6 in which are formed the channels 7, so that when the elements are bolted together openings are provided for the reception therein of the pintles 5.

The section 2 may be applied to the section 1 so that the pintles enter the channels 7 and thus the hinges are completed and may be applied to various uses. At times it may be desired to use this hinge as a connecting link between two longitudinally alining members such as track sections, and under such circumstances it is desired to retain the sections of the hinge in longitudinal alinement. For this purpose the elements of the sections 1 and 2 have their opposed inner faces curved adjacent the lower edges to provide longitudinal channels 8. Through these alining channels 1 and 2, the rod or pin (not shown) may be inserted to retain the sections in longitudinal alinement.

My improved hinge as hereabove described may be used for various purposes. In Fig. 1 I have shown this hinge, which for convenience will be termed 9, as applied to an overhead carrier track. In this instance the sections 1 and 2 of the hinge are respectively engaged with track sections 10 and 11 and secured together in the manner hereabove described.

The track section 11. is carried on a boom 12 which is capable of being swung in different positions. In Fig. 2 I have shown my improved hinge as applied to use in an overhead carrier of a slightly different type. In this instance, an intermediate track section 13 is connected to the track sections 14 and 15 through the medium of two of my improved hinge members. In this instance, as

well as in connection with the showing made in Fig. 1, the upper tread or head portion of the track sections are adapted to be held in the longitudinal channels 8 of the sections of the hinge. Through the medium of this construction shown in Fig. 2 the intermediate element or track section 18 may be readily removed or applied to use as desired. In Fig. 3 I have shown a still further use for my improved hinge wherein a track section 16 is shown connected to a switch member 17 through the medium of one of my hinges, the end of the switch section 17 having secured thereto a section 2 of my improved hinge. The three track sections, 18, 19 and 20 have each secured thereto a section 1 of my improved hinge. In other Words, a right hand member of my improved hinge is carried on the end of the switch member 17, while the left hand member of the hinge is carried on each of the track sections 18, 19 and 20. Through this medium the switch member 17 may be disposed in alinement with one of the three track sections 18, 19 and 20 and properly engaged and held. in longitudinal alinement therewith.

From the foregoing description of my improved device the operation thereof will be readily understood, and it will be seen that I have provided a simple, inexpensive and efficient means for carrying out the object of the invention.

spirit or sacrificing any of the principles of the invention.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is I 1. A track hinge of the class described comprising two sections, one being provided with knuckles and the other having pintles for engagement with said knuckles, said sections being also provided with longitudinal channels adapted to receive portions of the track to which the sections are engaged.

2. A track hinge of the class described comprising a pair of sections, each composed of two elements secured together, knuckles secured to one section, vertically disposed pintles carried on the other of said sections for engagement with said knuckles, said sections being also provided with longitudinal channels adjacent their lower edges whereby means may be engaged therewith for retaining the sections in longitudinal alinement.

A track hinge of the class described comprising two sections having the outer opposed edges thereof arcuately designed, knuckles formed on the inner edge of one of said sections, and vertically disposed pintles carried on the inner opposed end of the other section for engagement with said knuckles, and means formed in connection with said sections whereby the same may beheld in longitudinal alinement.

In testimony whereof I affix my signaturcf HENRY J RUTZ. 

